Free Web NovelChapter 407: Chapter 407
Nathan’s POV
Her words echoed loudly in my mind. I leaned back into the pillow, staring at nothing.
So that’s what it is. What I had done was simply unforgivable.
The staff suddenly went very still. I could almost smell the moment realization struck her. Her breathing changed. She must have known why I asked.
The Crescent Manor belongs to my grandmother but her members of staff knew about what happened over two years ago, just like everyone in the pack and the country at large. They knew how my Luna went to prison for a crime she was accused of committing.
Silence stretched between us until she cleared her throat carefully.
“Well... maybe it’s not impossible,” she amended quickly. “But if someone wants forgiveness, sincerity is the most important thing.”
My eyes flickered back to her.
“Sincerity?” I repeated. “What more sincerity is needed if he can offer money, power, love?”
I could give Aria the world. I already owned most of it. The staff shook her head.
“It’s not like that. If someone has those things... their partner probably does too.”
That hit harder than I expected. Aria never needed my wealth. She never cared for the power. She walked away from all of it without looking back. freёweɓnovel.com
Infact, she had all that now. Infact, with the Osborne family heirloom in ger possession, she was about to be at the helm of affairs of their dealings. The Osborne family was one of the strongest in terms of wealth and power in Veridale. She had everything now.
I went quiet again.
The staff, sensing she was dangling over a cliff, hurried to explain.
“True sincerity,” she said cautiously, “means walking in their shoes. Truly understanding the pain they experienced. Only through empathy can someone earn the right to seek forgiveness.”
Empathy.
The word settled deep. Walk in her shoes.
My jaw tightened.
I had told myself it was justice. That I was protecting the pack’s reputation. That evidence mattered more than emotion.
But had I ever truly imagined what that period of time she spent behind bars felt like for her?
The humiliation...The loneliness...The betrayal.
My wolf shifted uneasily. I had demanded loyalty and given distrust.
Silence fell again.
The staff looked like she wanted to disappear into the wallpaper. She retreated toward the corner, her hands clasped awkwardly.
“Thank you,” I said finally.
My voice was low and honest.
She looked flustered. “No trouble at all.”
I hummed faintly and stared back at the ceiling.
Empathy.
If forgiveness required walking in her shoes...Then perhaps the first step was to stop demanding she understand my pain and start understanding hers.
Aria’s POV
Outside Nathan’s door, Jennifer was handling the aftermath of what had happened with the grace of an old Alpha female. She eventually dismissed Gina, suggesting she retires for the night.
Gina shot me one last venomous look before huffing and storming away, her heels striking the floor like claws scraping tile.
“She’s spoiled at home. Always has been,” Jennifer said with a tired sigh.
Her gaze settled on me, worried and searching.
“I’m sorry for what happened today,” she added softly. “And Mr. Anderson, I apologize again for Nathan’s behavior.”
She began to incline her head. I stepped forward immediately, stopping her with a gentle touch to her arm.
“Nathan’s actions have already been apologized for,” I said evenly. “This isn’t your burden to bear.”
My eyes met hers, steady and sincere.
Jennifer held my gaze for a long moment, as if measuring the weight of my resolve. Then she sighed.
“I really like you, dear,” she murmured wistfully. “It’s a shame...”
Her fingers patted my hand gently. I knew what she meant.
“There’s nothing to regret,” I said. “Lana is still your great-granddaughter.”
That was the truth.
Blood cannot be erased.
At once, Jennifer brightened. She poked Lana’s chubby cheek lightly, her expression melting into pure affection.
“True,” she said warmly. “I still have my little darling.”
Lana giggled, her scent sweet and bright, blissfully unaware of the tension that surrounded her existence.
Jennifer and I saw Jonathan off. I told him of my plans to stay the night with Jennifer and return home by morning. When we were done seeing him off, Jennifer led me to the room she had
prepared for lana and I. It was right beside hers, as if proximity could stitch together the fragile threads of this family.
“Alright,” she said softly at my door, her voice warm and tired, “Lana’s exhausted from all the fun today. You two should rest now.”
I stood there with Lana curled against my chest, her small body radiating heat. My daughter, my little wolf.
Jennifer’s gaze lingered on Lana’s peaceful face. There was longing there. Maybe regret or hope.
She had wanted to play longer with her great-granddaughter, but Lana had fallen asleep in her arms earlier, surrendering completely.
I wondered if Lana sensed that Jennifer would never harm her.
“Yes,” I replied gently. “It’s late. You should rest too.”
My voice was polite and controlled.
The old lady nodded and reluctantly pulled her eyes away from Lana. She closed the door softly, then I heard the hallway lights click off one by one. Darkness wrapped around the manor like a familiar cloak.
Tomorrow, I will put an end to this Chapter of my life and leave.
